BN Fight Facts: Natasha Jonas scrapes by Mikaela Mayer in a close and entertaining fight in Liverpool

THE RESULT: Benefitting maybe from being at residence, the favored Natasha Jonas retained her IBF welterweight title with a 10-round break up choice over Mikaela Mayer tonight (January 20) in Liverpool. A fight stuffed with frenetic exchanges and shifts in momentum, Jonas began effectively, struggled considerably in the center rounds, and then got here on robust once more in the ultimate two, which in the end gave her the sting over Mayer by scores of 96-94 and 96-95, with one decide going for Mayer by 97-93.

KEY MOMENTS: Rather than a fight of key moments, or dramatic flashpoints, Jonas vs. Mayer was as a substitute fascinating on account of it being stuffed with motion and constant back-and-forth exchanges. If pushed to be particular, although, a left hook to the body-left hook to the pinnacle mixture from Mayer in spherical 4 caught the attention, as did a good left uppercut to the physique from Jonas in spherical 5. In addition to this, there have been large photographs landed by each in the ultimate couple of rounds, together with a strong left hook from Mayer in the final, with each fighters eager to do all they may to sway the judges.

RECORDS: The 39-year-old Jonas’ report now stands at 15-2-1 (9), whereas Mayer, 33, falls to 19-2 (5).

TALKING POINT: It needs to be stated, Jonas vs. Mayer acquired off to a very bizarre begin. For one, nationwide anthems had been for some purpose being sung – why? – and then, to make issues weirder, each anthems, the British and the American one, had been booed by followers in the sector; apparently British followers don’t just like the American anthem and Scousers don’t just like the British anthem. Anyway, some comfort was the looks of Jane Couch, who walked Natasha Jonas to the ring, and additionally the fight itself, which greater than delivered in phrases of two-way motion.

QUOTABLE: “We always knew it was going to be (a great fight),” stated Jonas. “I know this girl here (Mayer) is going to be absolutely devastated with that result – I’ve been there – but she is one of the top two people I’ve fought. She is a very skilled operator and will go on to become a two-weight champion. I said it from the start, that little bit of fear factor brings out the best in me.” As for what acquired her the nod on the playing cards, Jonas stated: “I think a good start, harder, cleaner shots, and I came on strong at the end.”

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? “This is probably my last year in boxing and we want to make it the best chapter of the book,” stated Jonas, who, if searching for one other big-name opponent, may find yourself preventing Mayer once more pretty quickly. Mayer actually appeared in operating it again when talking to Andy Scott in the ring after the fight. “I feel like I deserve it, and I think the fans deserve it,” stated the American. “I think rematches should only happen if they warrant it and I think this fight does. I’d love to do it again.”